Feather your nest at Paradise City March 24-26

Sunday

Mar 19, 2017 at 9:00 AMMar 21, 2017 at 9:36 AM

Nancy Olesin @WickedLocalArts

Never mind the recent snow, spring begins tomorrow and the birds will soon return. Let me repeat. The birds will return. They really are on their way, flapping their little wings, taking flight and making their way north. It’s true. Really.

Another sure sign of the season’s change is the return of Paradise City’s annual spring show to Marlborough, March 24-26. This season the arts and crafts show’s special themed exhibit, “Birds of Paradise,” reminds us of the powerful roles birds have played throughout human history.

“I see them as avatars of freedom, independence and spirit,” says artist and Paradise City founder Linda Post.

Now celebrating its 20th year in the city, the show offers a curated selection of handcrafted furniture, art, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture, gifts, custom clothing, accessories and more. The work of more than 175 artists will be gathered under one roof at the Royal Plaza Trade Center, Rte. 20 west, Marlborough. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $14 adults, $12 seniors 65+; $8 students; free for ages 12 and under. A weekend pass is $16. Call 800-511-9725 or visit www.paradisecityarts.com.

Be sure to check out these seven things at the show:

Check mates: Easthampton artist Matthew Evald Johnson creates 14-inch chess pieces featuring figures based on myth and folklore that would look at home on the set of “Lord of the Rings” or “Game of Thrones.” Then he makes a chessboard for them that’s as big as a picnic table.

Fluff and stuff: Feathery goldfinches are my all-time favorite birds. South Hamilton fiber artist Juliana Boyd has created these needle-felted wool feathery friends in a way that they are just plain irresistible.

Quilts of many colors: Ann Brauer, whose work is in the permanent collection at the American Museum of Arts & Design in New York, makes pieced and quilted wall hangings that look like beautiful landscapes. In a dramatic turn, her Shelburne Falls shop was washed down the Deerfield River by Hurricane Irene in 2011, but she’s since opened a new shop there.

Something to crow about: Vermont artist Karyn King just loves animals and the farm is often her inspiration. Her “Red Rooster,” with his rubbery comb and quizzical look, appears as if he’s asking, “What are you doing here?”

For who? You! From Maine, Geoffrey Warner’s adjustable “Rolling Owl Stools,” made of cherry or walnut and powder-coated steel, not only look like nocturnal birds, they are ergonomic and let you scoot around the office with ease.

Birds of a feather: Blackbirds, like those on the whimsical mugs made by Woods Hole ceramic artist Tessa Morgan, reflect the teeming life around her Cape Cod home. She's often inspired to include other majestic land, sea and sky creatures into her handmade pieces at her Flying Pig Pottery.

Be a Bohemian: Lowell artist Barbara Poole uses felting techniques to design dresses that make you look carefree, like this “Rose Dawn Dress with matching hat,” as well as scarves, coats and more.